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Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor levels in keratoconus
S Sawaguchi1, S S Twining, B Y Yue
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine.
Experimental Eye Research
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-antitrypsin) levels are significantly reduced in the corneas of keratoconus patients compared to healthy individuals. This finding suggests abnormal degradation processes may contribute to keratoconus development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Corneal Diseases
Background:
- Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-antitrypsin) is a key protease inhibitor found in human tissues.
- Its role in corneal health and disease, particularly keratoconus, is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor levels in keratoconus corneas.
- To compare these levels with normal and other diseased corneas.
- To investigate the potential role of protease dysregulation in keratoconus pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunoperoxidase staining to detect alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor in corneal sections (epithelium, stroma, endothelium).
- Dot blot assay using monoclonal antibodies to quantify alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor levels in corneal extracts.
- Comparison of staining intensity and extract levels between keratoconus, normal, and other diseased corneas.
Main Results:
- Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor was present in all corneal sections examined.
- Keratoconus corneas showed markedly reduced staining intensity in the epithelium and stromal lamellae compared to normal controls.
- Epithelial extracts from keratoconus corneas had approximately one-fourth the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor level of normal controls.
- Stromal extracts from keratoconus corneas had about one-sixth the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor level of normal controls.
- No similar reduction was observed in scarred or other diseased corneas.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates significantly lower levels of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor in both the epithelium and stroma of keratoconus corneas.
- These findings support the hypothesis that aberrant degradation processes, potentially due to reduced protease inhibition, may play a role in the development of keratoconus.
- Further research into protease activity in keratoconus is warranted.